Data carrier with independent light source and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a data carrier (1) for security articles, comprising a carrier body (2) defining a direction of extension (E) and at least one light-emitting element (4) arranged in the carrier body (2). The carrier body (2) comprises at least one light guide element (3). The light emitting element (4) is arranged at least partially and preferably completely in the light guide element (3). The light guide element (3) is configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting element (4) within the light guide element (3) and in a transverse direction (T) extending perpendicular to the extension direction (E).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a data carrier for a security article according to claim 1 and a method for producing a data carrier according to claim 15 . Existing technology

[0002] Data carriers for security articles such as bank cards, smart cards, identity cards etc. are widely used for various applications such as authorising financial transactions of users or for example for authorisation or identification processes. Such data carriers are often the subject of counterfeiting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a data carrier which has improved protection against forgery and at the same time has a simple design.

[0004] This object is achieved by a data carrier according to claim 1. Specifically, a data carrier for a security article is provided, wherein the data carrier comprises a carrier body defining an extension direction and at least one light-emitting element arranged in the carrier body. The carrier body comprises at least one light-guiding element. The light-emitting element is at least partially, and preferably completely, arranged in the light-guiding element. The light-guiding element is configured to guide light emitted by the light-emitting element within the light-guiding element and in a transverse direction extending perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0005] The carrier body preferably comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the extension direction preferably extends from the top surface toward the bottom surface. The extension direction can be regarded as the vertical direction of the carrier body. Therefore, the lateral direction extending perpendicular to the extension direction can be regarded as the horizontal direction of the carrier body.

[0006] The carrier body preferably comprises one or more layers and / or one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics, preferably thermoplastics, particularly preferably polycarbonate and / or polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate and / or PET-G and / or One or more of these layers can be transparent or opaque. For example, one or more of these layers can be colored. For example, polyvinyl chloride containing a colored body is conceivable. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the carrier body comprises one or more printed layers, such as offset printing or printing produced by screen printing. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the carrier body comprises one or more layers, one or more of which contain or consist of metal compounds. For example, one or more metal layers can be embedded between one or more transparent plastic layers. The carrier body preferably corresponds to a card body or a passport data page, as is known in the industry for security articles such as security documents. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the light-guiding element and the light-emitting element are formed into a so-called inlay as is known in the art.

[0007] The light-emitting element is preferably completely embedded in the light-guiding element.

[0008] The light guide element preferably has a transmittance for light in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, / or the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and / or the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The transmittance is measured by means generally known in the art. For example, UV transmittance can be measured using a UV spectrometer.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmittance is preferably 80% or more, such as 90% or more.

[0010] The light guide element is preferably configured as at least one film and / or at least one layer. That is, the light guide element may be a single layer or a single film. However, it is also conceivable that the light guide element comprises or consists of two or more films and / or layers.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the light guide element preferably contains or consists of one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics. The light guide element preferably contains or consists of one or more thermoplastic polymers. The light guide element particularly preferably contains or consists of polycarbonate and / or polymethyl methacrylate and / or polyethylene, although other materials are also conceivable.

[0012] The light-guiding element is particularly preferably configured to transmit light without attenuation or with only minimal attenuation by multiple light reflections within the material of the light-guiding element itself.

[0013] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the light guiding element comprises a higher refractive index than the refractive index of its adjacent components, for example layers arranged above and below the light guiding element.

[0014] Said difference in refractive index can be achieved by providing materials with different refractive indices.However, it is also conceivable to use the same material, but with different crystal structures.

[0015] It is also particularly preferred if the light-guiding element has a higher refractive index in the central region than in the peripheral region with respect to the lateral direction.

[0016] The light-guiding element preferably extends along the entire width of the data carrier with respect to the transverse direction.

[0017] Therefore, preferably, the edge of the light guiding element (i.e. the circumference or border of the light guiding element) provides a part of the edge of the data carrier. Thus, light guided along the light guiding element in a lateral direction will be emitted towards the outside of the data carrier and will thus result in a luminous edge or border of the data carrier.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferred that the light-guiding element is transparent. However, in order to customize the color appearance, it is conceivable that at least a portion of the edge of the guiding element comprises a translucent ink.

[0019] The light guide element preferably has a thickness of 100 μm or more and / or 450 μm or less with respect to the extension direction.

[0020] The light guide element is preferably an integral component of the carrier body. That is, the light guide element is preferably firmly connected to other components of the carrier body, such as to one or more layers of the carrier body, for example, to one or more layers of polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate. The firm connection is preferably achieved by laminating the different components comprising the light guide element together in a lamination process as is known in the art, with or without the use of adhesives or glue.

[0021] The light guide element preferably includes a top surface and a bottom surface arranged opposite the top surface relative to the extension direction, and the light guide element is configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting element by reflecting light from its top surface and / or bottom surface. Therefore, the propagation of light emitted from the light emitting element within the light guide element is preferably caused by reflection from the top and bottom surfaces of the light guide element. The top and bottom surfaces of the light guide element preferably correspond to the top and bottom surfaces of the light guide element in the form of a layer or film as described above.

[0022] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one electronic module. The electronic module preferably comprises a light emitting element. The light emitting element preferably comprises at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), an LED panel, a micro-LED, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a quantum dot.

[0023] That is, the light emitting element preferably corresponds to an LED, LED panel, micro-LED, OLED or quantum dot, and is particularly preferably provided by means of an electronic module comprising said light emitting element. The electronic module can therefore be regarded as a light module, such as an LED or OLED module.

[0024] The electronic module preferably includes a chip, memory, a microcontroller, and a CPU. It also preferably has a security element. The electronic module also preferably includes a protective housing containing or consisting of at least one metal compound (also called a lead frame or grid) and a resin (such as an epoxy resin).

[0025] The light-emitting element and / or the electronic module are preferably commercially available light-emitting elements and electronic modules, respectively.

[0026] The electronic module is preferably arranged in the cavity of the data carrier, possibly together with the light-guiding element.However, the light-emitting element can also be provided in a different manner.

[0027] For example, the light-emitting elements may be arranged on and / or in a substrate, and wherein the substrate is at least partially arranged in a light-guiding element. The light-emitting elements are arranged on and / or in a region of the substrate that is arranged in the light-guiding element. In order to accommodate at least one region of the substrate, the light-guiding element preferably comprises a slot, and wherein at least a portion of the substrate and the light-guiding element is arranged in the slot. The slot preferably passes completely through the light-guiding element and / or extends in an extension direction. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that a plurality of micro-LEDs are printed onto the substrate. It is further preferred that one or more conductive conductors are arranged on the substrate. The substrate with the micro-LEDs is then preferably inserted into the slot of the light-guiding element. It is particularly preferred that the substrate is arranged so that its light-emitting elements are arranged in the slot and the conductive conductors are arranged outside the slot, and so that electrical contact with the antenna is established, see further below. The preferred arrangement of the substrate is a folded configuration, i.e. preferably the substrate extends through the slot in the extension direction and extends in a lateral direction in the regions above and / or below the slot. It is further preferred that the substrate is arranged on the top surface and / or bottom surface of the light-guiding element in these regions. In other words, the substrate preferably extends at least partially along the top and / or bottom surface of the light guide element and relative to the lateral direction. Furthermore, the carrier body preferably includes one or more compensation layers, wherein the compensation layers are arranged adjacent to the substrate on the top and / or bottom surface of the light guide element relative to the lateral direction. The thickness of the compensation layers preferably corresponds to the thickness of the substrate relative to the extension direction.

[0028] In order to customize the color appearance, it is conceivable to use light emitting elements that emit light of different wavelengths. For example, LEDs of different colors can be used.

[0029] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one power element, which is connected to the light-emitting element and is configured to supply power to the light-emitting element. The power element is preferably arranged in the carrier body and is particularly preferably arranged on the top surface of the light-guiding element or on the bottom surface of the light-guiding element. The power element may be referred to as a first power element.

[0030] The power element may be in wired or wireless contact with the light emitting element. For example, the wired connection between the power element and the light emitting element may be provided via a conductive wire. In this case, a preferred power element is a battery or the like.

[0031] However, a wireless connection between the power element and the light emitting element is also conceivable. In this case, preferably, the power element is an antenna, particularly preferably an RFID antenna.

[0032] The power element therefore preferably corresponds to an antenna, particularly preferably to an RFID antenna.

[0033] The power element is preferably configured to be powered by an external device.The external device is preferably an RFID reader.

[0034] The antenna is preferably configured to receive an input signal and to transmit an output signal. In the case of an RFID antenna, preferably the input signal and the output signal have a frequency in the radio frequency range.

[0035] Hence, the electronic module comprising the light emitting element and the antenna connected to the electronic module preferably forms an RFID transponder, and wherein the RFID transponder is preferably powered by energy from an external device such as an RFID reader.

[0036] The external device is preferably arranged outside the data carrier and thus corresponds to a remote device which is arranged remotely from the data carrier.

[0037] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one further electronic module. The further electronic module is preferably a dual interface module or a contactless module and / or preferably comprises at least one of a power management unit, a microcontroller unit, a memory and a CPU.

[0038] The other electronic module is preferably connected to at least one power component. The power component may be referred to as a second power component.

[0039] The power element connected to the other electronic module may correspond to the power element connected to the light-emitting element. In other words, the first power element and the second power element may be identical and simply be power elements. Alternatively, the power element connected to the other electronic module may be different from the power element connected to the light-emitting element. The position of the power element connected to the other electronic module is preferably different from the position of the power element connected to the light-emitting element relative to the extension direction and / or relative to the lateral direction.

[0040] That is, it is conceivable that the data carrier comprises two or more electronic modules, one of which is the aforementioned LED module, i.e. an electronic module comprising a light-emitting element, and one or more other electronic modules preferably corresponding to other electronic modules such as dual-interface modules or contactless modules. These other electronic modules preferably correspond to electronic modules known in the prior art and commercially available.

[0041] The other electronic module is preferably powered by at least one power element, as explained above with respect to the electronic module including the light-emitting element. That is, the power element can be connected to the other electronic module by wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, the power element can be, for example, a battery or an antenna. To this end, it is particularly preferred that the power element corresponds to an antenna configured to receive input signals and transmit output signals, and the antenna particularly preferably corresponds to an RFID antenna as described above.

[0042] It is conceivable that a single power element (such as a single antenna) supplies power to both electronic modules. However, it is also conceivable that each electronic module has its own power element. Therefore, preferably, the other electronic module has another power element that is different from the power element that supplies power to the electronic module comprising the light-emitting element. If two or more power elements are provided, they are preferably arranged at different positions in the data carrier. In practice, it is preferred that the position of the power element to which the other electronic module (i.e. the other power element) is connected is different from the position of the power element to which the electronic module comprising the light-emitting element is connected relative to the extension direction and / or relative to the lateral direction. Thus, the manufacture of the data carrier is simplified and mutual interference of the power elements can be minimized. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that a power element is provided on the top surface of the light-guiding element and another power element is provided on the bottom surface of the light-guiding element, or vice versa.

[0043] The antenna is preferably composed of a conductive material such as silver, copper, or aluminum. The antenna can be applied using known printing techniques such as screen printing, inkjet printing, or flexographic printing, particularly preferably using an ink containing a conductive material such as silver or copper particles. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to place the conductor directly onto the antenna substrate, for example using ultrasound technology (localized heating of the plastic by US), or to bond the conductor to the antenna substrate using a varnish applied to the conductor in conjunction with heating. The antenna substrate preferably corresponds to a component of the carrier body, such as one of the layers of the carrier body, as described above.

[0044] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one reflective element, which is arranged such that light guided within the light-guiding element and incident on the reflective element is reflected from the reflective element back into the light-guiding element.

[0045] The reflective element is preferably arranged on the top surface and / or the bottom surface of the light guiding element.

[0046] The reflective element preferably contains or consists of at least one metal compound and is particularly preferably a metal layer.

[0047] The reflective element preferably comprises or consists of at least one white sheet (eg, a white polymer sheet) having retroreflective elements.

[0048] The reflective element preferably comprises or consists of reflective ink.

[0049] The reflective element preferably comprises or consists of a surface patterning, such as a mechanical embossing of the surface.

[0050] The reflective element serves the purpose of enhancing the reflection of the light propagating within the light-guiding element.

[0051] The reflective element preferably extends at least partially in the transverse direction. For example, the reflective element may correspond to a metal layer that is locally arranged on the top surface of the light guide element, wherein one or more other areas of the top surface of the light guide element are free of the reflective element. However, it is also conceivable that the entire top surface and / or bottom surface of the light guide element includes at least one reflective element arranged thereon. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide two or more reflective elements. The two or more reflective elements may be arranged in close proximity to each other or spaced apart from each other with respect to the transverse direction.

[0052] The top surface of the light guide element preferably corresponds to the outer top surface of the light guide element, i.e. the top surface facing away from the interior of the light guide element and in contact with another component of the carrier body (such as another layer of the carrier body). Likewise, the bottom surface of the light guide element preferably corresponds to the outer bottom surface of the light guide element facing away from the interior of the light guide element.

[0053] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one deflection element. The deflection element is preferably arranged such that light guided within the light-guiding element and incident on the deflection element is deflected along one or more deflection directions extending at an angle to the transverse direction. Preferably, one of the deflection directions extends perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0054] The deflecting element is preferably configured to diffuse and / or scatter and / or reflect incident light. The deflecting element preferably corresponds to a diffuse ink and / or a scattering material and / or texturing and / or structural coloring. The scattering material is preferably configured to exhibit a Tyndall effect. That is, the scattering material is preferably made of light-scattering particles in a colloid or suspension.

[0055] The deflection element serves the purpose of deflecting light propagating in a direction transverse to the light-guiding element toward the exterior of the light-guiding element. This allows illumination of specific areas or regions of the data carrier. For example, and as will be explained in more detail below, the data carrier may include at least one security element, and illumination of the security element may be achieved by light deflected by the deflection element and directed toward the security element.

[0056] The deflection of the light is preferably achieved by diffusion by the deflection element. The deflection is preferably caused by diffusing ink. The diffusing ink is preferably configured to deflect the incident light at an angle of 90° relative to the incident direction.

[0057] The deflection element is preferably arranged on the top and / or bottom surface of the light guide element and / or is arranged in contact with the light guide element. For example, the deflection element can be printed on the top and / or bottom surface of the light guide element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide the deflection element as a film or the like.

[0058] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one encapsulation element at least partially encapsulating the light emitting element.

[0059] The encapsulation element is preferably a resin and / or is at least partially transparent and / or is locally configured to absorb light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0060] The encapsulation element serves to protect the light-emitting element from external influences, in particular during the production of the data carrier.

[0061] The packaging component may only partially or completely encapsulate the light emitting element or the component on which the light emitting element is disposed. For example, in the case where the light emitting element is disposed on an electronic module, preferably, the packaging component at least partially encapsulates the electronic module.

[0062] The encapsulation element is preferably at least partially disposed within the light guide element. For example, an electronic module including a light-emitting element may be completely encapsulated by the encapsulation element, and both the electronic module and its encapsulation may be completely embedded within the light guide element. Alternatively, it is contemplated that only a portion of the electronic module (e.g., the top surface of the electronic module) may be encapsulated by the encapsulation element, with the encapsulated portion of the electronic module being disposed outside the light guide element.

[0063] The encapsulating element preferably corresponds to a resin as is known in the art. A preferred resin is an epoxy resin. The color of the encapsulating element may vary. For example, the encapsulating element may be transparent, white, or black. The color of the encapsulating element is preferably determined by the resin; for example, transparent, white, or black epoxy resin may be used.

[0064] Furthermore, the encapsulation element can be transparent and / or opaque. For those areas of the encapsulation element which are arranged within the light-guiding element, at least partially transparent encapsulation elements are preferred. Areas of the encapsulation element which are arranged outside the light-guiding element can be transparent or opaque. Opaque encapsulation elements can be used for the purpose of selectively blocking light emitted from the light-emitting element. For example, light-emitting elements in the form of LED diodes typically emit light in many directions, and it may be desirable for them to be emitted only in the direction which is guided into the light-guiding element. Light emitted in one or more undesirable directions can therefore be blocked in these areas by means of an opaque encapsulation element. For example, if light is to be prevented from being emitted in the extension direction, an opaque encapsulation element can be arranged on the top side of the electronic module comprising the light-emitting element.

[0065] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one blocking element configured to block light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0066] The blocking element is preferably arranged above and / or below the light-emitting element and / or at least partially overlaps the light-emitting element.

[0067] The blocking element is preferably configured to absorb incident light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0068] That is, selective blocking of light can also be achieved by means other than non-transparent packaging.

[0069] In order to at least partially block the light emitted from the light emitting element, preferably, the blocking element is arranged above and / or below the light emitting element and, moreover, at least partially overlaps with the light emitting element, i.e., the blocking element preferably at least partially covers the light emitting element with respect to the extension direction.

[0070] The blocking element is particularly preferably arranged in front of the light-emitting element with respect to the extension direction, ie above the light-emitting element, in order to block vertical light extraction.

[0071] The blocking element preferably extends at least partially in the transverse direction. For example, the blocking element may correspond to a black printing arranged locally on the top surface of the light-guiding element, wherein one or more other areas of the top surface of the light-guiding element are free of blocking elements. However, it is also conceivable that the entire top surface and / or bottom surface of the light-guiding element comprises at least one blocking element arranged thereon. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide two or more blocking elements. The two or more blocking elements may be arranged adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other with respect to the transverse direction. Furthermore, the two or more blocking elements may be arranged in the same or different positions with respect to the extension direction. That is, when the extension direction is regarded as a vertical direction, the blocking elements may be arranged at the same vertical level or at different vertical levels.

[0072] The presence or absence of the blocking element serves the purpose of selectively illuminating or darkening one or more regions of the data carrier. For example, and as already mentioned, the data carrier may comprise at least one security element, and selective illumination of the security element may be enabled by the absence of the blocking element in this region of the security element.

[0073] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the barrier element includes at least one security element. For example, the barrier element may include apertures arranged in the shape of images and / or alphanumeric characters, etc., and the barrier element may not provide any obstruction in the area of ​​its apertures. Thus, illumination of the barrier element results in the security element being illuminated by the barrier element.

[0074] The barrier element preferably corresponds to a colored or opaque material, such as white or black printing, reflective ink, metallic ink printing, metal foil or the like.

[0075] The data carrier preferably further comprises at least one security element, wherein the security element is configured and arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the light-emitting element and / or from light guided within the light-guiding element.

[0076] Ie the data carrier may comprise security elements in addition to the security elements provided in the blocking element.These security elements may be arranged anywhere in the data carrier.

[0077] These security elements preferably have the shape of images and / or alphanumeric characters and / or preferably correspond to at least one of imprinting, engraving, cutting or ablation.

[0078] Non-exhaustive examples of images are portraits or photographs or biometric information such as, for example, a fingerprint of the data carrier holder, an outline of a country, a national emblem, a state coat of arms, a state flag, a signature plate, geometric objects such as lines, circles, etc. Non-exhaustive examples of alphanumeric characters are date of birth, name, social security number, for example, of the data carrier holder, expiration date, etc. The security element can be used for the purpose of assigning personalized information, such as personal data of the data carrier holder, to the data carrier.

[0079] The ablation preferably corresponds to laser ablation of a metal foil. To this end, preferably, the data carrier, in particular the carrier body, comprises at least one metal foil which is laser ablated, ie laser personalized, in order to produce the ablation.

[0080] The data carrier may comprise one or more security elements, wherein in the case of two or more security elements, they may be identical to or different from one another. For example, a first security element in the form of a barrier element may be provided, the barrier element comprising holes arranged to form an image, and a second security element in the form of a metal layer which is selectively ablated so that the ablation forms another image or alphanumeric characters. More preferably, two or more security elements are provided at different positions on the data carrier. For example, the first security element arranged in the barrier element may be arranged directly above the light-emitting element, for example on the top surface of a light-guiding element. The second security element may be arranged at a certain distance from the first security element with respect to the extension direction and / or the lateral direction, for example on another layer of the carrier body. Furthermore, in the case of two or more security elements, it is conceivable that the data carrier is configured to illuminate all security elements or only some of the security elements.

[0081] As mentioned before, selective illumination of the security element can be achieved via the provision of a deflection element and / or a blocking element.

[0082] Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide one or more security elements in the data carrier, which are arranged to be illuminated via the light-guiding element, however via light different from the light emitted from the light-emitting element. For the sake of clarity, these one or more security elements are referred to as passive security elements.

[0083] The passive security elements may be identical to those which are illuminated by the light emitted from the light-emitting element, such as imprints, engravings, cuts or ablations, and for example in the form of images or alphanumeric characters.

[0084] However, unlike security elements arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from a light-emitting element, these passive security elements are located in a location within the data carrier where no light emitted from the light-emitting element travels or is directed. This is, for example, because the data carrier lacks a deflection element required to direct light from the light-guiding element to the passive security element, or because a blocking element is present that blocks light emitted from the light-emitting element. The light configured to illuminate the passive security element is preferably emitted from an external light source, such as a flashlight, which shines its light from outside the data carrier into the light-guiding element. For example, an authority verifying the authenticity of a data carrier may illuminate the edge of the data carrier, and thereby the edge of the light-guiding element, with a flashlight. Light from the flashlight is then coupled into the light-guiding element and propagates along the light-guiding element relative to a transverse direction.

[0085] In addition to active security elements (i.e., those security elements configured to be illuminated by light emitted from a light-emitting element), the provision of passive security elements provides additional security for the data carrier. For example, the passive security element and the active security element may be in a specific relationship, such as being identical or complementary to each other, and thereby confirming the authenticity of the data carrier when the security elements match or complement each other.

[0086] In another aspect, a security article is provided comprising at least one data carrier as described above or consisting of a data carrier. The security article is preferably an identity card, a bank card, a smart card, a driver's license, a passport or the like.

[0087] At this point, it should be understood that the data carrier itself can correspond to a security document. This is the case, for example, if the data carrier is provided in the form of an identity card. However, it is also conceivable to incorporate or incorporate the data carrier into a security article such as a passport, wherein, for example, the data carrier can correspond to a page of the passport or can be incorporated into a page of the passport.

[0088] Any statement herein concerning a data carrier applies equally to a security article comprising or consisting of a data carrier and vice versa.

[0089] In another aspect, a method for producing a data carrier, preferably a data carrier as described above, is provided. The method comprises the following steps: i) providing a carrier body defining an extension direction, and ii) providing at least one light-emitting element arranged in the carrier body. The carrier body comprises at least one light-guiding element, wherein the light-emitting element is at least partially, and preferably completely, arranged in the light-guiding element. The light-guiding element is configured to guide light emitted by the light-emitting element within the light-guiding element and in a lateral direction extending perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0090] Any statements herein concerning a data carrier or a security article comprising or consisting of a data carrier also apply to the method for producing a data carrier and vice versa.

[0091] The provision of the carrier body and the provision of the light-emitting element preferably correspond to steps known in the prior art and in the card industry. Specifically, the carrier is preferably produced during conventional card manufacturing processes, for example by placing the light-guiding element and one or more layers that ultimately form the carrier body on top of one another. Subsequently, a cavity is preferably created at least in the light-guiding element, for example by punching a punch into the light-guiding element. The light-emitting element can then be arranged in the cavity, and the carrier body can be completed, for example, by ultrasonic or thermal welding or lamination.

[0092] That is, the present invention provides independent embedded light sources and contactless and / or dual transponders on a preferably single layer for illuminated edges or backlight effects. At the same time, the present invention provides an easy and cost-effective way to lighten the edges of a data carrier and enhance the visual perception of a security element in the data carrier.

[0093] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0094] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention, rather than to limit the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 1 shows an exploded sectional view of a data carrier according to the invention comprising a light-guiding element and a light-emitting element;

[0096] Figure 2 shows an exploded sectional view of another data carrier according to the invention comprising a light-guiding element and a light-emitting element;

[0097] Figure 3 shows a top view of a security element of a data carrier according to the invention, wherein the security element is illuminated by the data carrier;

[0098] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 3 Top view of a secure element of a data carrier, wherein the secure element is illuminated by an external source.

[0099] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0100] Aspects of the data carrier 1 according to the invention will be explained in more detail with respect to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, the data carrier 1 comprises a carrier body 2 in the form of a multilayer structure, which comprises several layers as is known in the art and has a top surface 15 and a bottom surface 16. The carrier body 2 further defines an extension direction E extending from the top surface 15 towards the bottom surface 16. The extension direction E can be regarded as the vertical direction of the carrier body 2. Furthermore, a transverse direction T extending perpendicularly to the extension direction E can be regarded as the horizontal direction of the carrier body 2.

[0102] A light-guiding element 3 is arranged within the multilayer structure of the carrier body 2. Here, the light-guiding element 3 corresponds to a film or layer that extends along the entire width of the data carrier 1 relative to the transverse direction T. The light-guiding element 3 comprises a top surface 5 and a bottom surface 6 that is arranged opposite the top surface 5 relative to the extension direction E. Furthermore, a light-emitting element 4 is arranged within the carrier body 2, i.e., completely embedded within the light-guiding element 3. As indicated by the arrows, the light-guiding element 3 is configured to guide light emitted from the light-emitting element 4 within the light-guiding element 3 and along the transverse direction T. Specifically, the light-guiding element 3 is configured to guide the light emitted from the light-emitting element 4 by reflecting light from its top surface 5 and bottom surface 6.

[0103] Figure 1 The light emitting element 4 of the data carrier 1 depicted corresponds to an LED panel, while Figure 2 The light emitting element 4 of the data carrier 1 depicted in FIG is arranged in an electronic module 7 comprising the light emitting element 4. That is, the light emitting element 4 is provided in the form of an LED module 7 arranged in the light guide element 3. In both cases, a power element 8 connected to the light emitting element 4 and configured to supply power to the light emitting element 4 is arranged in the carrier body 2. Here, the power element 8 corresponds to an antenna arranged on the bottom surface 6 of the light guide element 3. The antenna can be referred to as an LED antenna 8. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, data carrier 1 includes a second power element 9, also an antenna, which is arranged on top surface 5 of light-guiding element 3. Antenna 9 corresponds to the dual-interface antenna of a dual-interface module (not depicted). Dual-interface antenna 9 is preferably configured for RFID or contactless applications and is also applied using known techniques such as silver ink printing, wire embedding, wire transfer, electrodeposition, or etching. LED antenna 8 is preferably applied using the same techniques and is also connected to one or more LEDs 4 of LED panel 4 or LED module 7, respectively.

[0104] exist Figure 2 In the data carrier 1 of FIG. 1 , a light emitting element 4 in the form of an LED module 7 is inserted into a transparent encapsulating element 12 and is connected to emit its light primarily vertically upwards, ie towards the top surface 15 of the carrier body 2 .

[0105] To customize the color, Figure 1The edge 17 of the light guiding element 3 in the data carrier 1 comprises a colored element 18 in the form of a translucent ink, so that its edge 17 will glow in a color when illuminated by emitted light travelling along the light guiding element 3 .

[0106] In addition, Figure 1 In the data carrier 1 depicted in FIG, a reflective element 10 in the form of a metal layer is arranged above the light-emitting element 4 and overlaps with the light-emitting element 4. The reflective element 10 is arranged such that light incident on the reflective element 10 is reflected from the reflective element 10 back into the light-guiding element 3. The reflective element 10 is arranged in the region of the top surface 5 of the light-guiding element 3. The data carrier 1 further comprises a deflection element 11, which is arranged such that light guided within the light-guiding element 3 and incident on the deflection element 11 is deflected in a deflection direction D extending perpendicularly to the transverse direction T. The deflection element 11 is configured to diffuse or scatter incident light and serves the purpose of guiding the incident light from the light-guiding element 3 towards a security element 14 arranged in the data carrier 1. The deflection element 11 is arranged in the region of the top surface 5 of the light-guiding element 3.

[0107] Figure 2 The data carrier 1 depicted in FIG. 4 comprises two blocking elements 13 configured to block light emitted from the light emitting elements 4. In the depicted example, the blocking elements 13 are arranged above the light emitting elements 4. The blocking elements 13 absorb incident light emitted from the light emitting elements 4.

[0108] As mentioned earlier, Figure 1 The data carrier 1 depicted in FIG further comprises a security element 14, wherein the security element 14 is configured and arranged to be illuminated by the light emitted by the light-emitting element 4. In particular, the security element 14 is arranged above the deflection element 11 and overlaps the deflection element so that the security element is well illuminated by the emitted light and also by light from the interior of the data carrier 1.

[0109] The security element 14 may correspond to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ablation may correspond to a laser ablation produced in a metal foil arranged in the data carrier 1. For this purpose, Figure 3 There is schematically indicated the appearance of such a security element 14 when illuminated from within the data carrier 1 and light is emitted from the light guiding element 3. The image appears as a regular image. Figure 4 The appearance of such a security element 14 when illuminated from an external source, such as by a border control reader, is schematically indicated.As a result, a negative image is interpreted by the reader.

[0110] Increasing the illumination of the security element enhances the visual quality perception of the human eye. In the depicted example, the light in the clear areas of the image is enhanced, while the dark areas of the image are less affected (light is blocked). As a result, the contrast becomes higher and details are more visible to the human eye.

[0111] Reference Signs List

[0112] 1 Data carrier 12 Packaging element

[0113] 2 Carrier body 13 Blocking element

[0114] 3 Light guide element 14 Safety element

[0115] 4 Light-emitting element 15 Top surface

[0116] 5 top surface 16 bottom surface

[0117] 6 bottom surface 17 edge

[0118] 7 Electronic Modules 18 Coloring Elements

[0119] 8 Power components

[0120] 9 Power element E extension direction

[0121] 10 Reflective element T Transverse direction

[0122] 11 Deflection element D Deflection direction

Claims

1. A data carrier (1) for a security article, the data carrier comprising: - a carrier body (2), said carrier body defining a direction of extension (E); and - at least one light emitting element (4), said at least one light emitting element being arranged in said carrier body (2); The invention is characterized in that the carrier body (2) comprises at least one light-guiding element (3), wherein the light emitting element (4) is at least partially and preferably completely arranged in the light guiding element (3), and The light guide element (3) is configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting element (4) within the light guide element (3) and along a transverse direction (T) extending perpendicularly to the extension direction (E).

2. A data carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the optical waveguide element (3) has a transmittance for light in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum and / or the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and / or the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the transmittance is preferably 80% or greater.

3. A data carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide element (3) is provided as at least one film and / or at least one layer, preferably containing or consisting of one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics, and / or preferably extends along the entire width of the data carrier (1) relative to the transverse direction (T).

4. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-guiding element (3) comprises a top surface (5) and a bottom surface (6) arranged opposite the top surface (5) with respect to the extension direction (E), and The light guide element (3) is configured to guide the light by reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting element (4) from its top surface (5) and / or bottom surface (6).

5. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one electronic module (7), said electronic module (7) comprising said light emitting element (4).

6. The data carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting element (4) comprises at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), an LED panel, a micro-LED, an organic light emitting diode or a quantum dot.

7. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one power element (8) which is connected to the light emitting element (4) and is configured to supply power to the light emitting element (4), and The power element (8) is arranged in the carrier body (2) and is preferably arranged on the top surface (5) of the light guide element (3) or on the bottom surface (6) of the light guide element (3).

8. The data carrier (1) according to claim 7, wherein the power element (8) is in wired or wireless contact with the light emitting element (4), and / or The power element (8) corresponds to an antenna, preferably an RFID antenna.

9. The data carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power element (8) is configured to be powered by an external device, preferably an RFID reader.

10. The data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising at least one further electronic module, The further electronic module is a dual-connection module or a contactless module and / or the further electronic module is connected to at least one power component (9).

11. The data carrier (1) according to claim 10, wherein the power element connected to the further electronic module corresponds to the power element connected to the light emitting element (4), or The power element (9) connected to the other electronic module is different from the power element (8) connected to the light-emitting element (4), and the position of the power element (9) connected to the other electronic module is preferably different from the position of the power element (8) connected to the light-emitting element (4) relative to the extension direction (E) and / or relative to the transverse direction (T).

12. A data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one reflective element (10), the reflective element (10) being arranged such that light guided within the light-guiding element (3) and incident on the reflective element (10) is reflected from the reflective element (10) back into the light-guiding element (3), and The reflective element (10) is preferably arranged on the top surface (5) and / or the bottom surface (6) of the light guide element (3).

13. The data carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective element (10) contains or consists of at least one metal compound and is particularly preferably a metal layer.

14. A data carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one deflection element (11), the deflection element (11) being arranged such that light guided in the light-guiding element (3) and incident on the deflection element (11) is deflected along one or more deflection directions (D) extending at an angle to the transverse direction (T), one of the deflection directions (D) preferably extending perpendicularly to the transverse direction (T), and wherein the deflection element (11) is preferably configured to diffuse and / or scatter incident light and / or preferably corresponds to at least one of a diffuse ink, a scattering material, a texturing or a structural coloring, and / or The deflection element (11) is preferably arranged on the top surface (5) and / or the bottom surface (6) of the light guide element (3).

15. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one encapsulation element (12) at least partially encapsulating the light emitting element (4), and The encapsulation element (12) is preferably a resin and / or at least partially transparent and / or is locally configured to absorb light emitted from the light emitting element (4).

16. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one blocking element (13) configured to block light emitted from the light emitting element (4), and The blocking element (13) is preferably arranged above and / or below the light-emitting element (4) and / or at least partially overlaps with the light-emitting element (4), and / or the blocking element (13) is preferably configured to absorb incident light emitted from the light-emitting element (4).

17. The data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one security element (14), wherein the security element (14) is configured and arranged to be illuminated by the light emitted from the light emitting element (4) and / or the light guided within the light guiding element (3), and The security element (14) preferably has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters and / or preferably corresponds to at least one of an imprint, engraving, cutting or ablation.

18. A security article comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably an identity card, a bank card, a smart card, a driving license, a passport or the like.

19. A method for producing a data carrier (1), preferably a data carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a carrier body (2), said carrier body defining an extension direction (E); as well as - providing at least one light emitting element (4), said at least one light emitting element being arranged in said carrier body (2); The invention is characterized in that the carrier body (2) comprises at least one light-guiding element (3), wherein the light emitting element (4) is at least partially and preferably completely arranged in the light guiding element (3), and The light guide element (3) is configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting element (4) within the light guide element (3) and along a transverse direction (T) extending perpendicularly to the extension direction (E).

Images